PurposeThe InBestSoil project, in its WP3, aims to give a monetary value to the ecosystem services (ES) provided by soils for different land uses. To this end the different market and non-market values across land uses and within land management scenarios have been quantitatively measured. In this context, the purpose of this deliverable (D3.2), within the InBestSoil project, is to estimate a monetary valuation of ecosystem services (ES) and disservices provided by soils under different land use scenarios. By applying a combination of market and non-market valuation methods, this report quantifies the economic value of soil-based ecosystem services across various biogeographical regions. The findings contribute to integrating soil health considerations into business models and policy-making processes. Intended audienceThis document is relevant for policymakers involved in land-use planning, environmental management, and policy Development at national and EU levels. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for researchers in environmental economics, soil science, and sustainability, as well as land managers overseeing agricultural, forestry, and urban land. Description of de main activitiesThe main activities carried out consist of a comprehensive methodological framework employed to assess the economic value of different ecosystem services provided by soil. Market values were estimated using cost and revenue data from cases studies (Lighthouses and Living Labs) and focus on provisioning services. Non-market values were derived using a meta-analysis of European studies and benefit transfer methodologies to value regulating and cultural ecosystem services. The study covers different land use types (agricultural, forestry, urban, and industrial soils) across multiple case studies, including different interventions to promote soil health. Key results: Results can be dived in result regarding markets, non-market values, and comparative analysis regarding the soil use. Market valuation findings:• Agricultural and forestry land uses generate significant provisioning ecosystem services with variations in profitability depending on the management practices carried out.• Restorations efforts in degrades areas, such creation of artificial soils in mine context or reforestation of forest degrade areas, show high investment cost with long-term expected economic benefits. Non-market valuation findings:• Carbon sequestration, water retention, and erosion control contribute substantial indirect value to society, particularly in forest and conservation agriculture contexts. Cultural services, such as recreation and landscape aesthetics play a crucial role in restoration areas, as their non-market value offset, in the long term, the direct market cost of the restoration efforts. Comparative analysis:• Sustainable soil management practices improve both market and nonmarket values, reinforcing the economic justification for oil health nvestments.• Industrial and mining soil restoration showed limited direct market value but provided crucial long-term environmental benefits. Research and Practice ImplicationsThe findings highlight the need for integrated approaches to soil ecosystem services valuation, emphasizing the economic relevance of sustainable land management that includes non-market (invisible) values. Researchers can further refine valuation methodologies, addressing gaps in cultural and regulation ecosystem service valuation, and policy makers can inform policy decisions with the real contribution of the soil to the social well-being. Stakeholders, including farmers and landowner, can use these findings to substantiate requests for soil conservation incentives and to implement sustainable practices that yield synergistic economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, these insights contribute to the development of a broader consensus regarding the economic value of sustainable soil management practices. Policy ImplicationsThe results emphasize the importance of incorporating soil ecosystem services into EU and national policy frameworks. Key recommendations include:• Promoting incentives for sustainable soil management and restoration projects. • Integrating non-market valuation metrics into land-use decisionmaking.• Supporting research on underrepresented soil services, particularly in urban and industrial contexts. ConclusionThis deliverable provides a comprehensive economic valuation of soil ecosystem services, reinforcing the significance of soil health investments for both private and public stakeholders. The findings will guide further research, policy development, and practical implementation, fostering new business models with a stronger link between soil conservation and economic sustainability within the InBestSoil project.
Sánchez‐Navarro et al. (Fri,) studied this question.